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Thursday, November 01, 2012

How many of you belong to book clubs? If you're an author have you ever been the featured author for a book club? I've been looking into book clubs now that my first fiction is out. I'm not sure where to find local book clubs listed, but I plan to keep investigating.

I did find an online club. Well, actually, the book club found me through LinkedIn. This club is called The Book Club Reading List. It seems to have quite a few authors listed. I can't tell how many clubs it might have following it. Since the group is online, they have clubs that can "meet" via Skype, telephone or, if possible, in person.

If you want to look into it, here's the link: http://bookclubreading.com/about-us/
Note: It costs to sign on and get your book listed.

They send out a quarterly newsletter to their subscribers. I scrolled through some of the listings of books (they're broken down in categories). I'm not sure how many book club participants there are since I didn't see a single book that had any comments. And I didn't find a way to determine if any clubs had chosen books or how many clubs participate.

I think online book clubs would be great, but I also think in-person clubs would be better. You'd get more back and forth participation without everyone stepping all over each other. Plus, it's easier to veer off into related topics. And there's nothing like making an in-person connection.

Of course that may be just me because of my speaking and teaching background. If you'd rather attend a book club meeting online or by phone (or you want to do it in conjunction with in-person clubs), then you might check out the link above.

I've usually found book clubs through word of mouth and I have been invited to speak at a few, but they're scheduled for next year. Our library also has one each month. I have heard of authors participating through Skype so don't limit yourself to local groups. Also, some book clubs have blogs so you may want to do a book club blog search.I've noticed that many books have reader guides so setting up questions before hand might be an idea to both publish and use during the book club meeting.That's my two cents worth.Good luck in your new endeavor.Ann

I have been featured at book clubs...usually a word of mouth, friend of a friend thing. I belong to a book club, too--a friend invited me.

I *think* Sisters in Crime has a book club database...might want to check the site. And many subdivisions with clubhouses have book clubs--could be worth checking into. The library hosts several here, as well as Barnes and Noble.

Thank you Elizabeth. I think my local library has a book club, but right now they're closed because of a remodel going on at their building. I'll check the Sisters in Crime site. Thanks for the other suggestions, too.

Is Oprah still picking books? I'm waiting for her to notice me... ;)I belong to one of the Goodreads bookclubs but it's been a struggle for them to attract readers. Most members are writers trying to get their books read.

Hi Helen - seems a sensible way to go - the Skype aspect is interesting .. but the local word of mouth ones would be best and more valuable ... your library one should be working even if the library isn't pro tem ...

Angel Sometimes by Helen Ginger

Angel Sometimes

Helen Ginger

Helen is the author of five books: three non-fiction, a short story anthology and a contemporary fiction, Angel Sometimes. She maintains an informational and interactive blog for writers and a weekly e-newsletter that has been going out to subscribers around the globe for thirteen years. She is an owner-partner and Women’s Marketing Director for Legends In Our Own Minds®, which specializes in creative networking opportunities for companies and groups.